Local riders to ride in ABA BMX Racing National Series this weekend

The American Bicycle Association (ABA) returns to St. Cloud, Minn. for the ABA Land O’ Lakes Nationals, Aug. 5-7.

Fresh off the 2011 BMX World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, elite BMX racers from around the world will start their quest for Olympic qualifying points at the first UCI qualifying race of the 2012 season. The St. Cloud race is sandwiched between the World Championships and the Olympic test event slated for London in two weeks.

The ABA National Series is the most prestigious series in the world for the sport of BMX racing. The series consists of 32 events held in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The event in St. Cloud will feature some of the top amateur and professional riders competing for the coveted ABA #1 title.

There is no admission charge for spectators and the weekend festivities will begin with the Friday, Aug. 5, pre-race at 6 p.m. Racing will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and at 8 a.m. on Sunday. This Olympic sport is a must-see for any sports fan.

Top Olympic hopefuls for the 2012 games will be in attendance as they try to amass points and put their countries and themselves one step closer to that Olympic dream. Maris Strombergs, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist, is expected to be in attendance. Numerous ABA points leaders, who were participants in the 2008 Olympic games, are also expected to compete this weekend. Current ABA points leader and three-time girl pro #1 Dominique Daniels is expected to compete. St. Cloud local and Olympic hopeful Alise Post will not be competing this weekend but is expected to be in attendance.

In addition to the elite riders, some of the top amateur races from the United States will be racing as they try and earn the coveted ABA National #1 Amateur Title.

Several Minnesota riders are currently ranked in the top of their National Age Group Standings. In addition to being ranked at the top of his age class, Elliott McGrath, of Isanti, Minn., currently sits at the top of the national amateur standings. McGrath leads a talented field of amateurs vying for the top amateur spot. Also, riding at the event and ranked in the top of his National Age Groups Standings is Taylor Riedemann, of Cambridge, Minn.

If you have ever wanted to see bicycle motocross racing in person or compete in the sport, this weekend has everything BMX has to offer. From the novice class through the professionals, everyone will be competing at Pineview Park BMX. The track is located at 6540 Sankview Drive. From Hwy.15, take 8th Street N.W., cross the bridge and turn left at the lights, then follow the blue signs to the track.

For information on racing at Pineview Park BMX, contact Mark or Cheryl Post at 320-230-7820; or to find other tracks in Minnesota or near you, visit the American Bicycle Association online at www.ababmx.com or call 1-800-886-1269.